Method and system for electronically ordering goods or services

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for electronically ordering goods or services by an individual and obtaining the same by pick-up or delivery using a time and distance-optimizing system are provided. Based on individual&#39;s origin and destination, and also based on either an additional distance/additional time chosen by individual, the system displays providers in the area on and around a least time route or least distance route, so that it will satisfy either the parameter of the least time+the additional time or the parameter of the least distance+the additional distance. The individual places order, pays therefor and obtains the goods/ service by reaching the provider by using the best route as communicated by the system from origin to provider and thereafter to destination.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and system for electronicallyordering goods or services by an individual. Such system of theinvention in various embodiments functions as a time anddistance-optimizing system. The system and method of the invention canbe applicable for ordering goods, for instance groceries, gifts, flowersand the like. Similarly services in which the invention can be usedinclude among the many, restaurants for food take-out and delivery,salon visits, laundry drop-off and pick-up, car wash, choosing gasstation, doctors, dentists, car mechanics etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are well known systems/websites in the art which enable browsing aselection of service providers like restaurants or grocers, browsethrough their menus or inventory list and place an order for goods orservice online or by telecommunication. The order is communicated by thewebsite via Fax or Online to the service provider. Further most of theseare for delivery services only although some of these providers allowfor a take-out option as well. Till date there is no system or methodknown, by which an individual can electronically order goods or servicefrom a provider, based on a chosen time frame or a chosen distance.Similarly there is also no system or method known till date, wherein anindividual seeks for a goods or service provider enroute from a locationto a destination and further seeks to obtain his goods/service within achosen time frame or distance. There is a need for a method and systemwhich allows choosing a time or distance based provider and ordering hisgoods/service so as to minimize traveling and/or obtaining the goods inoptimal or earliest time or distance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Accordingly an object of the invention is to provide a method and asystem for electronically ordering goods or services within a chosentime or from within a chosen distance by an individual, using a time anddistance-optimizing system. In one embodiment of the invention, thegoods/service is obtained by pick-up or take-out from a chosen goods orservice provider. In another embodiment of the invention, thegoods/service is obtained by delivery at a chosen location by a chosenprovider. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the goods/serviceis picked-up enroute from a location to a destination from a chosenprovider within a chosen time frame or chosen distance that theindividual is willing to spend in obtaining his order or service. Theforegoing and other objects and advantages of the invention are betterunderstood from the following detailed description of a preferredembodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts, in a simplified and representative form, a system forordering goods or services in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart depicting the method of ordering goods or serviceaccording to one aspect of the invention

FIG. 3 is a flow chart depicting the method of ordering goods or serviceaccording to another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart depicting the method of ordering goods or serviceaccording to another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting the method of ordering goods or serviceaccording to another aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method ofelectronically ordering goods or services by an individual using a timeand distance-optimizing system, which comprises:

-   (a) providing the individual with a device or interface equipped    with a time and distance-optimizing system, into which the    individual provides origin and destination information, following    which the system displays route options including one of least time    and one of least distance between the origin and destination;-   (b) the individual further providing to the system, a request for    goods or service and either an additional time or additional    distance over the least time or least distance that the individual    is willing to spend in obtaining the goods or service at a goods or    service provider and reaching the destination;-   (c) the individual making a selection of the provider from the list    of providers displayed by the system which is compiled as those    being in the geographical area on and around the least time route or    the least distance route, based on either the additional distance or    additional time chosen by the individual, so that it will satisfy    either the parameter of the least time+the additional time or the    parameter of the least distance+the additional distance;-   (d) the individual placing the order and paying therefor; and-   (e) the individual then obtaining the goods or service by reaching    the provider from the origin using the best route as communicated by    the system and thereafter reaching the destination as communicated    by the system; in a manner that will satisfy either the parameter of    the least time+the additional time or the parameter of the least    distance+the additional distance

The term “provider” wherever used hereinafter refers to a goods/serviceprovider.

Accordingly there is provided a time and distance-optimizing system asper the invention for use by an individual for electronically orderinggoods or services, which:

-   (a) allows the individual provided with a device or interface    equipped with the system, to provide his origin and destination    information therein, following which the system displays route    options including one of least time and one of least distance    between the origin and destination;-   (b) allows the individual to further provide to the system, a    request for goods or service and either an additional time or    additional distance over the least time or least distance that the    individual is willing to spend in obtaining the goods or service at    a goods or service provider said reaching the destination;-   (c) computes and displays the geographical area on and around the    least time route or the least distance route, based on either the    additional distance or additional time chosen by the individual, so    that it will satisfy either the parameter of the least time+the    additional time or the parameter of the least distance+the    additional distance, and then provides a list of providers in the    said area and then allows the individual to make a selection of the    provider from the list;-   (d) allows the individual to place the order and pay therefor; and-   (e) communicates to the individual the best route of reaching his    provider from origin to obtain goods or service and thereafter    communicates to the individual the best route to reach the    destination, in a manner that will satisfy either the parameter of    the least time+the additional time or the parameter of the least    distance+the additional distance.

In one aspect of the invention, the provider is a restaurant and themethod facilitates food take-out, origin to destination enroute.

According to another embodiment of the invention, after step (d), thesystem allows the individual to further select additional goods orservice provider(s) based on the time or distance remaining from theparameter of the least time+the additional time or the parameter of theleast distance+the additional distance.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a methodof electronically ordering and seeking delivery of goods or services byan individual, which comprises:

-   (a) providing the individual with a device or interface equipped    with a system into which the individual provides a location    information and a goods or service request, following which the    system displays various providers in the geographical areas marked    within concentric circles from the location, and also displays the    delivery time of the goods or service at the location, in each    concentric circle;-   (b) the individual making a selection of the provider from a    concentric circle based on a desired delivery time, placing the    order, paying therefor and receiving an order confirmation from the    system; and-   (c) the individual obtaining the goods or service by delivery at the    location within the desired delivery time.

Accordingly there is provided a system, as per the invention, for use byan individual for electronically ordering goods or services, which:

-   (a) allows an individual provided with a device or interface    equipped with the system, to provide a location information and a    goods or service request therein, following which the system    displays various providers in the geographical areas marked within    concentric circles from the location, and also displays a delivery    time of the goods or service at the location, in each concentric    circle;-   (b) allows the individual to make a selection of the provider from a    concentric circle based on a desired delivery time; and-   (c) allows the individual to place the order, pay therefor, receive    an order confirmation and thereafter obtain the goods or service by    delivery at the location within the desired delivery time.

In one aspect of the invention, the provider is a restaurant and themethod facilitates a food delivery.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the innermost circlewithin the concentric shows the least time or least distance and theoutermost circle of the concentric shows the longest time or longestdistance.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the system furtherallows the individual to select a provider after narrowing down from thelist of providers in step (a) based on the nature of goods or service heseeks.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a methodof electronically ordering and picking-up goods or services by anindividual using a time and distance-optimizing system, which comprises:

-   (a) providing the individual with a device or interface equipped    with a time and distance-optimizing system, into which the    individual provides a location information, a request for goods or    service and either a desired time or desired distance that the    individual is willing to spend in obtaining the goods or service at    a goods or service provider; following which the system displays    various providers around the location who will satisfy the parameter    of either the desired time or the desired distance in obtaining the    goods or service;-   (b) the individual making a selection of the provider and paying for    the order;-   (c) the individual obtaining die goods or service by reaching the    provider from the location using the best route as communicated by    the system in a manner that will satisfy either the parameter of the    desired time or the parameter of the desired distance.

Accordingly there is provided a time and distance-optimizing system asper the invention, for an individual for electronically ordering andpicking-up goods or services, which

-   (a) allows the individual provided with a device or interface    equipped with the system, to provide therein a location information,    a request for goods or service and either a desired time or desired    distance that the individual is willing to spend in obtaining the    goods or service at a goods or service provider; following which the    system displays various providers around the location who will    satisfy the parameter of either the desired time or the desired    distance in obtaining the goods or service;-   (b) allows the individual to make a selection of the provider and    pay for the order;-   (c) communicates to the individual the best route to reach the    provider from the location in a manner that will satisfy either the    parameter of the desired time or the parameter of the desired    distance; and obtain the goods or service.

In one aspect of the invention, the provider is a restaurant and themethod facilitates a food pick-tip/take-out.

In one aspect of the invention, the innermost circle within theconcentric shows the least time or least distance and the outermostcircle of the concentric shows the longest time or longest distance.

According to one embodiment of the invention, after step (b), the systemallows the individual to further select additional goods or serviceprovider(s) based on the time or distance remaining from the parameterof the desired time or the parameter of the desired distance.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the system allows theindividual to select a provider after narrowing down from the list ofproviders in step (a) based on the nature of goods or service he seeks.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, tie desired timeor desired distance includes obtaining goods or service and reaching thelocation back using the best route communicated by the system.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod of electronically ordering and picking-up goods or services by anindividual, which comprises:

-   (a) providing the individual with a device or interface equipped    with a system into which the individual provides a location    information and a goods or service request, following which the    system displays various goods or service providers in the    geographical areas marked within concentric circles from the    location with either the time or distance information within each    concentric circle that will be consumed in obtaining the goods or    service;-   (b) the individual making a selection of the provider from a    concentric circle based on a desired time or a desired distance;-   (c) the individual placing the order, paying therefor and receiving    an order confirmation from the system; and-   (d) the individual obtaining the goods or service by reaching the    goods or service provider from the location using the best route as    communicated by the system in a manner that will satisfy either the    parameter of the desired time or the parameter of the desired    distance.

Accordingly there is provided as per the invention, a system for anindividual for electronically ordering and picking-up goods or services,which:

-   (a) allows the individual provided with a device or interface    equipped with a system, to provide a location information and a    goods or service request therein, following which the system    displays various providers in the geographical areas marked within    concentric circles from the location with either the time or    distance information within each concentric circle that will be    consumed in obtaining the goods or service;-   (b) allows the individual to make a selection of the goods or    service provider from a concentric circle based on a desired time or    a desired distance;-   (c) allows the individual to place the order, paying therefor and    receive an order confirmation from the system; and-   (d) communicates to the individual the best route to reach the    provider from the location and obtain the goods or service, in a    manner that will satisfy either the parameter of the desired time or    the parameter of the desired distance.

According to one aspect of the invention, the provider is a restaurantand the method facilitates food take-out.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the system allows theindividual to select a provider after narrowing down from the list ofproviders in step (a) based on the nature of goods or service he seeks.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the desired timeor desired distance includes obtaining goods or service and reaching thelocation back using the best route communicated by the system.

All the above aspects of the inventions may find utility in orderinggroceries, gifts, flowers and the like. Similarly services in which theinvention can be used include among the many, restaurants for foodtake-out and delivery, salon visits, laundry drop-off and pick-up, carwash, choosing gas station, doctors, dentists, car mechanics etc. Apreferred aspect of the invention is when the service provider is arestaurant.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings, the system thereinillustrates how the individual user interfaces with the system accordingto an embodiment of the invention. The individual may use a single ormultiple devices to interact with the system. Multiple devices include alaptop (401), web enabled Smartphone/PDA (405) and Internet enabledGlobal Positioning system i.e. OPS (404). In the present embodiment, thelaptop (401) is connected to a server (409) over the internet through anInternet Service Provider i.e. ISP (402). 404 is a GPS device whichconnects to the internet via a cell phone network through an ISP in amanner similar to that of device 401. 403 is a satellite which helps theGPS to determine its location. The Smartphone/PDA (405) connects over acarrier network (406) via a wireless network through Wireless AccessProtocol (WAP) gateway (407) to the internet (408) and the server (409).The server (409) finds the appropriate goods or service provider thatmeets the individual's interaction criteria as discussed herein belowwith reference to FIGS. 2-5.

FIG. 3 of the accompanying drawings describes an embodiment of theinvention wherein the individual wants to do a take-out ofgoods/service, for example, food, enroute from the individual'slocation, for example work place, to a destination, for example, home(201) from a goods/service provider, for example, a restaurant. Thesystem used by the individual is programmed in a manner so as to helpthe individual seek a particular provider within a desired time flame orwithin a desired distance. The individual provides to the system thelocation viz. work place and destination viz. home addresses. When thedevice is a OPS or GPS enabled device, it is understood to a personskilled in the art that the individual's location is automaticallycommunicated to the system by the OPS or GPS enabled device. With thelocation and destination information, the system calculates the leastdistance based route (in miles, say, 12 miles) and a least time basedroute (in minutes or hours), for example, 43 minutes (202), using themapping application programming interface (API) provided by open sourcecommunity like Maptools.org or from companies like Google, Yahoo,Microsoft, MapQuest etc. The least time and least distance for routesare calculated using criteria like traffic, highways, highway speedlimits etc. The system then allows the individual to make a specificrequest for goods or service, for example, food/restaurant by browsingthrough the database of service provider categories maintained in systemdatabase (202A). Then it further allows the individual to make a choiceof whether he would like to spend an additional time from the least timein obtaining food (203). This feature of the system is enabled usingtechnology to create these dynamic web pages via PHP (Personal HomePage), database technology like MySQL and programming languages likeJAVA. When the individual chooses the additional time, say for example15 minutes, over the least time (43 minutes), the system then proceedsto calculate the area on and around the least time route that can becovered by the individual driving at legal speed and on road within theadditional time the individual is willing spend in order to obtain food(205). The system uses programming languages like PHP, Java, .Net etc tocalculate this information and provide this feature. The system thenlooks up restaurants within its database that have an address that fallswithin the said area and will provide the food within the leasttime+additional time parameter of 58 minutes i.e. 43 minutes+15 minutes.The system then displays only those restaurants that satisfy the 58minutes time criteria (207). Since the server (409) has extensiveinformation about service providers like restaurants (413, 414, 415,416, and 417) and information on offered services like type of food, etcit helps the individual to select the restaurant he is interested in.The individual is then allowed by the system to filter down the results(209) based on a variety of criteria like food menu, cost of food,quality of food based on the ratings die system maintained in itsdatabase (410) The system then allows the individual to place an orderwithin the system using web interface developed using PHP, Java etc.(211). Once the order is placed, the system calculates the amount oftime left, for example, 10 minutes, from the parameter of leasttime+additional time i.e. 58 minutes, after inclusion of the stop at theselected restaurant. It then recalculates the area that the individualcan cover in that leftover time between the said restaurant stop and thedestination. Once that area is calculated, it again proceeds to look upservice providers like restaurants that fall in that area and displaysthis additional selection to the individual (213). The system allows theindividual, at this stage, to make a decision of either choosing a2^(nd) restaurant or not (215). This feature provided by the system isenabled by PHP, Java and My SQL programming, if the individual chooses a2^(nd) restaurant, he goes through to place an order (217) in the samemanner as explained above. Once the order(s) is placed, the individualpays for the order through electronic payment method (218) using creditcard, bank debit, gift cards. Many optional features may be provided bythe system. Like for instance, the system can also provide an option forthe individual to pay the goods or service provider in cash on delivery;following which the system confirms the order placement (219) via one ofthe many options like Short Message Service (SMS), email or fax. Thesystem similarly communicates the order to the service provider (219).As in the above example, when the service provider is a restaurant, oncethe goods or service provider receives the order, they then proceed toprepare the food, and thereafter make the food available for take-out atthe desired time, which is within the parameter of least time+additionaltime (220). The system may also provide a provision for the individualto rate the particular dish (in case of restaurant), service or goodsafter they have received the delivery of the goods or service. Thereview is optional for the individual to enable him narrow the choice ofgoods/service providers. This feature adds to the usefulness andeffectiveness of the system.

As per another aspect of the invention, referring once again to FIG. 3,the above application of the system can be utilized by an individual,when it allows the individual to choose an additional distance over andabove the least distance, for example 8 miles, in obtaining hisgoods/service, for example, food (204). In the same manner as explainedhereinabove, when the individual chooses the additional distance he iswilling to travel over the least distance (12+8 miles), the system thenproceeds to calculate the area on and around the route that can becovered by the individual driving at legal speed within the additionaldistance specified in obtaining the food (206). The system then looksLip restaurants within its database (410) that have an address thatfalls within the said area and will enable food take-out within thedistance of 20 miles and displays only those restaurants (208). Theindividual is then allowed by the system to filter down the results asexplained above, following which the system displays only therestaurants that meet the individual's exacting standards (209). Theindividual then selects a particular restaurant (412), sorts through themenu and places all order within the system (212) Once the order isplaced, the system calculates the amount of distance left from theparameter of least distance+additional distance after inclusion of theselected restaurant stop. It then recalculates the area that theindividual can cover in that leftover time between the restaurant r stopand the destination. Once that area is calculated, it again proceeds tolook up service providers, for example, restaurant that fall in thatarea and displays these additional selections to the individual (214).The system allows the individual, at this stage, to make a decision ofeither choosing a 2^(nd) restaurant or not (216), if he chooses a 2^(nd)restaurant, he goes through to place an order (217), and further obtainsthe food in the same manner as explained above.

Referring to FIG. 4 of the accompanying drawings, this system (300)enables an individual to obtain delivery of goods/service at a desiredlocation viz. home, within a desired time frame. In this case, the onlyinformation the individual provides to the system is the location (301).As explained above, this step may be bypassed when the individual isinterfacing with a GPS or GPS enabled devices. Based on locationinformation, the system's route optimizing system searches through thedatabase for service providers who can provide the goods or the servicewithin different time frames; like for instance, firstly it looks upservice providers around the location that can deliver service/goods tothe location within a first time frame, for example, 30 minutes. Thenthe system calculates a second zone of providers that can delivergoods/service to the location within a second time frame greater thanthe first, for example 60 minutes. Then the system further calculates athird zone of service providers who can deliver to the location within athird time frame greater than the second time frame, for example, 90minutes. The system then displays the results of its database query i.e.goods/service providers in concentric circles around the location andfurther map the delivery time viz. 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 90 minuteswithin each circle respectively (302). Tis feature of the system isenabled using PHP, Java, MySQL programming and the like. The resultsthus provided clearly indicate to the individual a wide array of choiceof goods/service providers. As explained above in the earlierembodiment, the individual then proceeds to filter down theservice/goods provider (303) and selects a particular service provider(304) sorts through the services and goods that meet their criteria andplaces an order within the system. The individual pays for the orderthrough electronic payment method (305). The system may also provide forthe individual to pay in cash upon delivery of goods/service. The systemconfirms the order placement (306) via one of the many options likeShort Message Service (SMS), email or fax and similarly communicates theorder to the goods/service provider. Where the service provider is arestaurant, upon receiving the order, the goods/service providerprepares the food and delivers the order within the desired time. Thesystem also provides a provision for the individual to rate theparticular dish (in case of restaurant), service or goods after theyhave received the delivery of the goods or service. This feature issimilarly enabled by technologies like PHP, Java, .Net, MySQL etc.programming.

FIG. 2 (100) refers to a method/system wherein the individual wants todo a take-out of goods or service from a provider around theindividual's location within a desired time or a desired distance. Inthis instance, the individual provides to the system the locationinformation (101). As explained above, this step may be bypassed whenthe individual is interfacing with a GPS or GPS enabled devices. Thesystem, using technologies like PHP, Java, .Net, MySQL etc. programming,then allows the individual to either provide a desired time or a desireddistance the individual is willing to spend in obtaining thegoods/service. If the individual chooses the time parameter (102), thesystem then calculates the area from around the individual's locationthat can be covered by the user driving at the legal speed limit, inobtaining his goods/service and reaching his location back The systemlooks up within its database, the service providers that have an addressthat falls within the said area around the location (104). This featureof the system is enabled using technologies like PHP, Java, .Net, MySQLetc programming. The system then allows the individual to filter clownthe list of providers in the same maimer as explained above (106);following which only the service providers that meet the individual'sexacting standards are displayed. The individual then selects aparticular goods or service provider (108), sorts through the servicesand goods that meet their criteria and proceeds to place an order withinthe system. Once the order is placed, the system further calculates theamount of time left from the desired time provided by the individual(110). The system then recalculates the area that the individual cancover in that leftover time between the first service provider stop andthe location. Then the system looks up service providers that fall inthat area and displays it to the individual (112). At that stage, theindividual makes a decision of whether to stop at a 2^(nd) serviceprovider or not. If the individual chooses to add more goods andservices, they place an order in a manner as explained above.

Once again while referring to FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawings, afterproviding the location information, if the individual chooses a desireddistance instead of a desired time (103), the system then calculates thearea from the individual's location that can be covered within thedesired distance in miles. As explained above, the system looks upwithin its database the service providers that have an address thatfalls within the area around tie location (105). The system furtherallows the individual to select a goods or service provider afterfiltering (109) in the same manner as explained above. The system allowsthe individual to sort through the services and goods that meet hiscriteria and to place an order within the system. Once the order isplaced, the system further calculates the number of miles left from thedesired distance criteria provided by the individual. The system thenrecalculates the area that the individual can cover in that leftoverdistance between the first service/goods provider stop and the location(111). Once that area is calculated, it then proceeds to look upservice/goods providers that fall in that area and displays it to theindividual (113). At that stage, the individual makes a decision ofwhether to choose a 2^(nd) service/goods provider or not. And if hechooses to add more goods and services, the system provides to place anorder. Once the order is placed, the system allows the individual to payfor the order through electronic payment method (115). The system canalso provide an option for the individual to make payment upon take-outof goods/service. The system then proceeds to confirm the orderplacement (116) via one of the many options like Short Message Service(SMS), email or fax and similarly communicates the order to thegoods/service provider. Where the service provider is a restaurant, uponreceiving the order, they prepare the food and keep it ready fortake-out within the desired time. The system also provides a provisionfor the individual to rate the particular dish (in case of restaurant),service or goods after they have picked up the goods or service.

In one embodiment of the above aspect of the invention, the desired timeor desired distance includes take-out of the goods/service from aprovider. In another embodiment of the invention, the desired time ordesired distance includes take-out of the goods/service from a providerand reaching the location back.

Referring to FIG. 5 of the accompanying drawings, this system (500)enables an individual to pick-up/tale-out goods or services from aprovider by traveling from his location, for example home, to theprovider within a desired time frame. In this case, the only informationthe individual provides to the system is the location (501). Asexplained above, this step may be bypassed when the individual isinterfacing with a OPS or OPS enabled devices. Based on locationinformation, the system's route optimizing system searches through thedatabase for service providers who can provide the goods or the servicewithin different time frames; like for instance, firstly it looks upservice providers around the location that can be reached from thelocation to pick-up goods or services within a first time frame, forexample, 30 minutes. Then the system calculates a second zone ofproviders that can be reached from the location to pick-up goods orservices within a second time frame greater than the first, for example60 minutes. Then the system further calculates a third zone of serviceproviders that can be reached from the location within a third timeframe greater than the second time frame, for example, 90 minutes. Thesystem then displays the results of its database query i.e.goods/service providers in concentric circles around the location andfurther map the pick-up time viz. 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 90 minuteswithin each circle respectively (502). This feature of the system isenabled by PHP, Java, MySQL programming. The results thus providedclearly indicate to the individual a wide array of choice ofgoods/service providers. As explained above in the earlier embodiment,the individual then proceeds to filter down the service/goods provider(503) and selects a particular service provider (504), sorts through theservices and goods that meet their criteria and places an order withinthe system. The individual pays for the order through electronic paymentmethod (505). The system may also provide for the individual to pay incash upon pick-up of goods/service. The system confirms the orderplacement (506) via one of the many options like Short Message Service(SMS), email or fax and similarly communicates the order to thegoods/service provider. Where the service provider is a restaurant, uponreceiving the order, the goods/service provider prepares the food andkeeps it ready for pick-up within the desired time. The system alsoprovides a provision for the individual to rate the particular dish (incase of restaurant), service or goods after they have received the goodsor service. This feature is similarly enabled by technologies like PHP,lava, .Net, MySQL etc. programming.

In another aspect of the invention, the device is a GPS or has GPScapability built-in that may be used in any of the systems according tothe invention.

Desired time/distance chosen by the individual may or may not be anoptimal time and distance and may be based on various factors liketraffic information etc. Similarly best route communicated by the systemafter placing an order with a goods/service provider is also based onfactors like traffic information etc.

The invention provides for a very efficient time and/or distanceoptimizing methods/systems, easy to use and also user friendly. Itprovides for a very specific type of search for goods/serviceprovider(s), viz. those that are within a desired time or desireddistance and can be used in a take-out situation or one that can be usedfor delivery.

The above example of using technologies like PHP, Java, Net etcprogramming in the working of the system is only exemplary of theinvention. There are other well-known ways in the art of designing asimilar system such as FLEX, Flash, Oracle, ColdFusion, Java ServerPages (JSP), JavaScript, VBScript, etc. Further, devices 401, 404 and405 of FIG. 1 are merely examples of devices that enable to understandthe interface with the system, but the invention is certainly notlimited to these and may utilize online interactive communicationnetwork like web interface, telephone etc. In the embodiments where thesystem displays various providers in concentric circles, it isunderstood that the number of circles forming the concentric is notlimited to three as exemplified above. Further while various embodimentshave been described above, it should be understood that they have beenpresented by way of an example only and not a limitation. Thus, thebreadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by anyof the above described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined onlyin accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

1. A method of electronically ordering goods or services by anindividual using a time and distance-optimizing system, which comprises:a. providing the individual with a device or interface equipped with atime and distance-optimizing system, into which the individual providesorigin and destination information, following which the system displaysroute options including one of least time and one of least distancebetween the origin and destination; b. the individual further providingto the system, a request for goods or service and either an additionaltime or additional distance over the least time or least distance thatthe individual is willing to spend in obtaining the goods or service ata goods or service provider and reaching the destination; c. theindividual making a selection of the provider from the list of providersdisplayed by the system which is compiled as those being in thegeographical area on and around the desired route based on either theadditional distance or additional time chosen by the individual, so thatit will satisfy either the parameter of the least time+the additionaltime or the parameter of the least distance+the additional distance; d.the individual placing the order and paying there for; and e. theindividual then obtaining the goods or service by reaching the providerfrom the origin using the best route as communicated by the system andthereafter reaching the destination as communicated by the system; in amanner that will satisfy either the parameter of the least time+theadditional time or the parameter of the least distance+the additionaldistance.
 2. A method as claimed in claim 1 in which, after step (d),the individual further selects additional goods or service provider(s)based on the time or distance remaining from the parameter of the leasttime+the additional time or the parameter of the least distance+theadditional distance.
 3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein theprovider is a restaurant and the method facilitates a food take-out,origin to destination enroute.
 4. A method as claimed in claim 1,wherein the individual selects a provider after narrowing down from thelist of providers in step (c) based on the nature of goods or service heseeks.
 5. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device has aGlobal Positioning System (GPS) capability built-in.
 6. A method asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the system displays only a least time basedroute or a least distance based route.
 7. A method of electronicallyordering and seeking delivery of goods or services by an individual,which comprises: a. providing the individual with a device or interfaceequipped with a system into which the individual provides a locationinformation and a goods or service request, following which the systemdisplays various providers in the geographical areas marked withinconcentric circles from the location, and also displays a delivery timeof the goods or service at the location, in each concentric circle; b.the individual making a selection of the provider from a concentriccircle based on a desired delivery time placing the order, paying therefor and receiving an order confirmation from the system; and c. theindividual obtaining the goods or service by delivery at the locationwithin the desired delivery time.
 8. A method as claimed in claim 7,wherein the provider is a restaurant.
 9. A method as claimed in claim 7,wherein the individual selects a provider after narrowing down from thelist of providers in step (a) based on the nature of goods or service heseeks.
 10. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the device has aGlobal Positioning System (GPS) capability built-in.
 11. A method asclaimed in claim 7, wherein the innermost circle within the concentricshows the least time or least distance and the outermost circle of theconcentric shows the longest time or longest distance.
 12. A method ofelectronically ordering and picking-up goods or services by anindividual using a time and distance-optimizing system, which comprises:a. providing the individual with a device or interface equipped with atime and distance-optimizing system, into which the individual providesa location information, a request for goods or service and either adesired time or desired distance that the individual is willing to spendin obtaining the goods or service at a goods or service provider;following which the system displays various providers around thelocation who will satisfy the parameter of either the desired time orthe desired distance in obtaining the goods or service; b. theindividual making a selection of the provider and paying for the order;c. the individual obtaining the goods or service by reaching theprovider from the location using the best route as communicated by thesystem in a manner that will satisfy either the parameter of the desiredtime or the parameter of the desired distance.
 13. A method as claimedin claim 12 in which, after step (b), the individual further selectsadditional goods or service provider(s) based on the time or distanceremaining from the parameter of the desired time or the parameter of thedesired distance.
 14. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein theprovider is a restaurant.
 15. A method as claimed in claim 12, whereinthe individual selects a provider after narrowing down from the list ofproviders in step (a) based on the nature of goods or service he seeks.16. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the device has a GlobalPositioning System (GPS) capability built-in.
 17. A method as claimed inclaim 12, wherein the desired time or desired distance includesobtaining goods or service and reaching the location back using the bestroute communicated by the system.
 18. A method of electronicallyordering and picking-up goods or services by an individual whichcomprises: a. providing the individual with a device or interfaceequipped with a system into which the individual provides a locationinformation and a goods or service request, following which the systemdisplays various goods or service providers in the geographical areasmarked within concentric circles from the location with either the timeor distance information within each concentric circle that will beconsumed in obtaining the goods or service; b. the individual making aselection of the provider from a concentric circle based on a desiredtime or a desired distance; c. the individual placing the order, payingthere for and receiving an order confirmation from the system; and d.the individual obtaining the goods or service by reaching the goods orservice provider from the location using the best route as communicatedby the system in a manner that will satisfy either the parameter of thedesired time or the parameter of the desired distance.
 19. A method asclaimed in claim 18, wherein the provider is a restaurant.
 20. A methodas claimed in claim 18, wherein, the individual selects a provider afternarrowing down from the list of providers in step (a) based on thenature of goods or service he seeks.
 21. A method as claimed in claim18, wherein the device has a Global Positioning System (OPS) capabilitybuilt-in.
 22. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the desired timeor desired distance includes obtaining goods or service and reaching thelocation back using the best route communicated by the system.
 23. Atime and distance-optimizing system for use by an individual forelectronically ordering goods or services, which: a. allows theindividual provided with a device or interface equipped with the system,to provide his origin and destination information therein, followingwhich the system displays route options including one of least time andone of least distance between the origin and destination; b. allows theindividual to further provide to the system, a request for goods orservice and either an additional time or additional distance over theleast time or least distance that the individual is willing to spend inobtaining the order or service at a goods or service provider andreaching the destination; c. computes and displays the geographical areaon and around the least time route or the least distance route, based oneither the additional distance or additional time chosen by theindividual, so that it will satisfy either the parameter of the leasttime+the additional time or the parameter of the least distance+theadditional distance, and then provides a list of providers in the saidarea and then allows the individual to make a selection of the providerfrom the list; d. allows the individual to place the order and pay therefor; and e. communicates to the individual the best route of reachinghis provider from origin to obtain goods or service and thereaftercommunicates to the individual the best route to reach his destination,in a manner that will satisfy either the parameter of the least time+theadditional time or the parameter of the least distance+the additionaldistance.
 24. A system as claimed in claim 23 in which, after step (d),the system allows the individual to further select additional goods orservice provider(s) based on the time or distance remaining from theparameter of the least time+the additional time or the parameter of theleast distance+the additional distance.
 25. A system as claimed in claim23, wherein the list of providers as computed in step (c) will includethose that allow time to reach the provider, obtain goods or service andfurther reach destination.
 26. A system as claimed in claim 23, whereinthe provider is a restaurant and the method facilitates a take-out,origin to destination enroute.
 27. A system as claimed in claim 23,wherein the system allows the individual to select a provider afternarrowing down from the list of providers in step (c) based on thenature of goods or service he seeks.
 28. A system as claimed in claim23, wherein the device has a Global Positioning System (GPS) capabilitybuilt-in.
 29. A system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the systemdisplays route options of only least time and least distance.
 30. Asystem for an individual for electronically ordering and seekingdelivery of goods or services, which: a. allows an individual providedwith a device or interface equipped with the system, to provide alocation information and a goods or service request therein, followingwhich the system displays various providers in the geographical areasmarked within concentric circles from the location, and also displaysthe delivery time of the goods or service at the location, in eachconcentric circle; b. allows the individual to make a selection of theprovider from a concentric circle based on a desired delivery time; andc. allows the individual to place the order, pay there for, receive anorder confirmation and thereafter obtain the goods or service bydelivery at the location within the desired delivery time.
 31. A systemas claimed in claim 30, wherein the provider is a restaurant.
 32. Asystem as claimed in claim 30, wherein the system allows the individualto select a provider after narrowing (town from the list of providers instep (a) based on the nature of goods or service he seeks.
 33. A systemas claimed in claim 30, wherein the device has a Global PositioningSystem (GPS) capability built-in.
 34. A system as claimed in claim 30,wherein the innermost circle within the concentric shows the least timeor least distance and the outermost circle of the concentric shows thelongest time or longest distance.
 35. A time and distance-optimizingsystem for an individual for electronically ordering and picking-upgoods or services, which: a. allows the individual provided with adevice or interface equipped with the system, to provide therein alocation information, a request for goods or service and either adesired time or desired distance that the individual is willing to spendin obtaining the goods or service at a goods or service provider;following which the system displays various providers around thelocation who will satisfy the parameter of either the desired time orthe desired distance in obtaining the goods or service; b. allows theindividual to make a selection of the provider and pay for the order; c.communicates to the individual the best route to reach the provider fromthe location in a manner that will satisfy either the parameter of thedesired time or the parameter of the desired distance; and obtain thegoods or service.
 36. A system as claimed in claim 35 in which, afterstep (b), the system further allows the individual to select additionalgoods or service provider(s) based on the time or distance remainingfrom the parameter of the desired time or the parameter of the desireddistance.
 37. A system as claimed in claim 35, wherein the provider is arestaurant.
 38. A system as claimed in claim 35, wherein the systemallows the individual selects a provider after narrowing down from thelist of providers in step (a) based on the nature of goods or service heseeks.
 39. A system as claimed in claim 35, wherein the device has aGlobal Positioning System (GPS) capability built-in.
 40. A system asclaimed in claim 35, wherein the desired time or desired distanceincludes obtaining goods or service and reaching the location back usingthe best route communicated by the system.
 41. A system for anindividual for electronically ordering and picking-up goods or services,which: a. allows the individual provided with a device or interfaceequipped with a system, to provide a location information and a goods orservice request therein, following which the system displays variousproviders in the geographical areas marked within concentric circlesfrom the location with either the time or distance information withineach concentric circle that will be consumed in obtaining the goods orservice; b. allows the individual to make a selection of the goods orservice provider from a concentric circle based on a desired time or adesired distance; c. allows the individual to place the order, payingthere for and receive an order confirmation from the system; and d.communicates to the individual the best route to reach the provider fromthe location and obtain the goods or service, in a maimer that willsatisfy either the parameter of the desired time or the parameter of thedesired distance.
 42. A system as claimed in claim 41, wherein theprovider is a restaurant.
 43. A system as claimed in claim 41, wherein,the system allows the individual to select a provider after narrowingdown from the list of providers in step (a) based on the nature of goodsor service he seeks.
 44. A system as claimed in claim 41, wherein thedevice has a Global Positioning System (GPS) capability built-in.
 45. Asystem as claimed in claim 41, wherein the desired time or desireddistance includes obtaining goods or service and reaching the locationback using the best route communicated by the system.